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Original poster

Issue with UC

6 replies

Meklk · 11/04/2022 08:04

I claiming UC since January 2022. Every single month I had issues with my elements-wrong calculations. I used to leave messages on my journal (different sections-payments, work coach,etc) but they NEVER get back to me. I was able to survive with £20-£40 less. But this month I received a statement without childcare element, so lost almost £500 from my payment.
Spent one week calling customer service. And finally found out that I reported childcare costs too late, despite the fact that my statement is ready on 5th ( I reported 3rd).
Case Manager told me that she is waiting for Decision Maker to decide if they'll pay me (like an extra payment) or not.
So it's second week I'm waiting. Any chance I can get this payment or claim back childcare costs ???
I'm just fed up with calls for customer service as they just leaving messages on my journal and asking me to wait.
Unfortunately my bills are not waiting...
Yes, I understand it might be my fault, but any experience that you were able to get money back later?
Thank you....

OP posts:

MercuryRising · 11/04/2022 17:31

I have had almost monthly issues with the childcare element if my UC payment. I used to phone, leave numerous messages on my journal to little avail. I now make an official complaint as soon as there is a problem the issue is always resolved before my payment should be in my account. I would definitely recommend making a formal complaint.

Babyroobs · 11/04/2022 18:34

@MercuryRising

There is nothing here to make a complaint over ! Op reported childcare costs after the last day of her assessment period which is too late for them to be paid in time. She will need to wait to see if it can be rectified.

Legslegs · 11/04/2022 19:24

I've been in receipt of universal credit for a few years now and still some months the childcare element is missing. It takes repeated phonecalls but it has always been paid at some point. The payment usually gets made as soon as processed rather than in the next month's payment. I haven't ever missed the payment period though.
When you say your statement was ready on a certain date, usually your payment period will have ended a few days before.

I think the original arrangement was that you had to enter the details the same day you made a payment but I think it's more flexible now.

That's quite a lot of missing money OP. I hope you get it soon.

ToCaden · 14/04/2022 19:10

Honestly the best way to get around this is to report childcare costs on the day you pay it, especially when nearing end of assessment period. If you can manage to pay childcare and report it near beginning of assessment period, that's even better as it gives them time to get to those tasks and approve it before the system calculates payment.

Seraphinesupport · 18/04/2022 07:04

to be fair you need to tell UC about things before the day they ask you too. My UC always said childcare costs had to be in before 1st as my calculations were based on the dates between the 1st and last day of the month. the 3rd sounds too late.

DriftGames · 18/04/2022 07:21

I agree with PP. my assessment period is 12-12th of each month, statement date 15th and payment date 19th. I pay my childcare on the last or first day of each month and report immediately, so there is plenty of time for it to be taken into assessment.

I hope you get your payment OP, but please look into local food banks etc to help make ends meet in the meantime.

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